Joel Piroe has revealed how conversations with Nuno Espírito Santo helped convince him to join West Ham United from Leeds.
West Ham officially completed Piroe’s season-long loan on Wednesday, with the agreement containing a conditional obligation to make the transfer permanent if the Hammers secure promotion.
The 27-year-old has now explained why east London was the right destination, revealing that Nuno and director of player recruitment Nils Koppen outlined both the club’s ambitions and how he would fit into the team before the move was completed.
Speaking in his first interview with West Ham, Piroe said the pair were clear about the short and long-term objectives and explained how they wanted the side to be set up.
Joel Piroe convinced by Nuno’s West Ham plan
Those discussions appear to have played a significant role in Piroe’s decision.
The striker said the proposed system felt like a good match for him and is now looking forward to getting onto the training pitch with his new team-mates.
That should interest West Ham supporters given the qualities Nuno has added to his attack this summer.
Piroe scored 73 Championship goals across spells with Swansea City and Leeds, including 19 as Leeds won promotion in 2024/25. ReadWestHam has already examined why that record makes Piroe such an attractive option for West Ham’s own promotion challenge.
His arrival was officially confirmed by West Ham on Wednesday, bringing a rapid pursuit to an end after Nuno pushed to strengthen his forward options following the Burnley draw.
Piroe has wasted little time getting started.
West Ham have already released footage from his first day training as a Hammer as preparations continue for Saturday’s home Championship game against Charlton Athletic.
Whether Piroe is immediately handed his debut remains to be seen, but his first comments make one thing clear.
He has not simply joined West Ham because of their promotion ambitions. Nuno has already convinced him there is a footballing plan designed to get the best from him.
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